The study of numbers and how they affect one’s life has a long history. However, it was not until 1907 before there was a mention of the word “numerology” in any English dictionary. The usage of numbers to obtain critical answers regarding the purpose of a person in various cultures fascinated mathematicians. Hence, they began to investigate the veracity of these claims of finding solutions to human problems with names and numbers.
The Early Days
Pythagoras is often seen as the “father” of numerology because of his huge contributions to numerology. He was born in Greece around 596 B.C. There are few historical records about him because most people that wrote about him did so years after his death. However, few of his works survived, and his contribution to numerology is one of such outstanding works.
Between (A.D. 354-430), Pythagoras, as well as some scientists of his time, were of the opinion that mathematical concepts have greater practicability. One such philosopher was Saint Augustine of Hippo. According to him, the Universal language with which the deity confirms the truth for humans is numbers.
Just like Pythagoras, he believed that every event in life has deep numerical connections. Hence, the human mind has the task of understanding the mystery of these connections. Otherwise, the source of this understanding will come by divine revelation. The mystical connections between numbers and the events in the life of people made numerology gain wide acceptance across the globe.
Persecution by the State Church
However, the practice of numerology took a hit when the state church via the influence of the Roman Emperor, Constantine, banned the practice. After the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, belief in astrology became classified in the same category as magic and astrology. Hence, it became an offense to believe in numerology.
However, this threat from the church was not strong enough to wipe off the belief. Numerology still held sway as Dorotheus of Gaza did an in-depth analysis of “Jesus number.” Jesus’ number is 888, which is the natural number preceding 889 and after 887. Strong arguments have been made as regards what has a semblance of numerology in the bible. For instance, 7 and 3 are believed to have strong spiritual significance. The length of famine in the bible is often 7 years, and it took God 7 days to create the world. Jesus was crucified by 3 pm, and he inquired of God to avoid being crucified three times. The number 8 is often connected to change after seven years of drought. Hence, in spite of the ban imposed on numerology by the state church, it was impossible to make people stop believing in the supernatural significance of numbers.
Besides the Bible, there are also theories of alchemy that have their roots in numerology. An example of this is how that Jabir Ibn Hayyan, a Persian-Arab alchemist, conducted various researches based on numerology ideologies in Arabic Language using the names of substances. In 1658, numerology was prominent in the “The Garden of Cyrus,” a literary discourse by Sir Thomas Browne. The author of the book was bent on showing that the number 5 and the quincunx pattern is present in the design, arts, and in botany in particular.
Other Contributions
Various people contributed immensely to give numerology the modern outlook it has today. In “Numerology, the Power in Numbers,” the author, Ruth A. Drayer, says that Mrs. L. Balliett combined Biblical references with the work of Pythagoras. Other valuable contributions came from Juno Jordan, a student of Balliett, who gave numerology the Pythagorean system. This system was not developed by Pythagoras but by Juno Jordan in 1965 via the publication of “Romance in Your Name.”
The book contained the modern system of identifying the vital influence of numerology in birth dates and names. Other numerologists such as Kathleen Roquemore, Dusty Bunker, Faith Javane, Mark Gruner, Lynn Buess, and Florence Campbell have all done their part to make the evaluation of events and personality with numerology possible.
The Various Forms of Numerology
Various forms of numerology have been studied and practiced over the years. Different cultures and dispensations have had their own form of numerology, which was prevalent during that period and in that culture. The Babylonians, Chinese, Japanese, Indians, Egyptians, and the Jews all have a form of numerology they practice.
However, the three major forms of numerology are Kabbalic, Chaldean, and the Pythagorean. Each of these forms of numerology has its peculiarities. Each one has a unique way of number analysis and interpretations. However, the common feature of every system is to help people gain insight into their purpose in life and events around them.
The Kabbalic Form
The Kabbalic form is based on the Kabbalah, the Hebrew alphabets. Hence, this form of numerology is rooted in Jewish traditions. “Kabbalah” literarily means “internal and spiritual knowledge.” This implies that the knowledge is not derived from the senses but from your soul. In this system, every alphabet and number are believed to have a secret meaning that has practical application. The Kabbalic system deals with the birth name of a person in which 400 numbers and 22 alphabets are analyzed.